FFA and Personal Care Product Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

November 2022 in “ Research Square (Research Square) ”

Olivia Kam, Sean Na, William Guo, Christina I. Tejeda, Tara Kaufmann

frontal fibrosing alopecia FFA facial sunscreen facial moisturizer UV-protecting chemicals sunscreen moisturizer UV protection

Studysummary This meta-analysis suggests a significant association between the use of facial sunscreen and moisturizer and frontal fibrosing alopecia, while finding no significant relationship with hair products or treatments.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the relationship between frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) and the use of cosmetic and personal care products. Analyzing data from 9 studies with 1,248 FFA patients and 1,459 controls, the study found significant positive associations between FFA and the use of facial sunscreen (OR 3.02) and facial moisturizer (OR 2.20), particularly in men for moisturizers (OR 5.07). No significant associations were found with other hair or facial products. The findings suggest that leave-on facial products, especially those with UV-protecting chemicals, may contribute to the development of FFA, indicating a potential environmental etiology.

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8 / 8 results

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia in Men: A Multicenter Study of 39 Patients

5 citations , September 2021 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found a high prevalence of beard and eyebrow alopecia in male patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia, and suggests a potential link between hormonal imbalances and the condition.

Clinical Characteristics, Trichoscopy, Histopathology, and Treatment Outcomes of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia in an Asian Population: A Retro-Prospective Cohort Study

research Clinical Characteristics, Trichoscopy, Histopathology, and Treatment Outcomes of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia in an Asian Population: A Retro-Prospective Cohort Study

9 citations , July 2020 in “Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that diffuse and pseudo-fringe sign patterns are common in Asian patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia, and that treatments combining antiandrogens or antimalarials with topical therapy are effective.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Disease That Remains Enigmatic

9 citations , January 2020 in “Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii”

This review discusses the enigmatic nature of frontal fibrosing alopecia and reports no clinical results; the authors stress the need for further research.

research Association of Cicatricial Alopecia with Chemical Hair Straightening

5 citations , June 2019 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Chemical hair straightening may be linked to a type of permanent hair loss.

research An Update of the Pathogenesis of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: What Does the Current Evidence Tell Us?

23 citations , October 2018 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology”

This review highlights that frontal fibrosing alopecia’s increasing incidence may involve immune, genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors, yet its pathogenesis remains complex and not fully understood.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Multicenter Review of 355 Patients

339 citations , February 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that eyelash loss, facial papules, and body hair involvement were linked to severe frontal fibrosing alopecia, and antiandrogens were the most effective treatment.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Review of 60 Cases

166 citations , April 2012 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study reviewed clinical data from 60 patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia and found increasing prevalence and generally poor response to treatment, with the cause remaining unclear.

research Postmenopausal Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Scarring Alopecia in a Pattern Distribution

332 citations , June 1994 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that progressive frontal hairline recession in postmenopausal women may exhibit features similar to fibrosing alopecia, with histologic similarities to lichen planopilaris but lacking lesions of lichen planus.